“I still have no idea why they would need two electric motors.

Unlike gasoline engines, larger electric motors are more efficient. In other words, with the same car going at the same speed, meaning the electric motor has the same RPM, a larger electric motor would use less electricity than a smaller electric motor. This is the exact opposite of gasoline engines.”

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I don’t get the reason why you think a larger electric motor “would use less electricity than a smaller electric motor”, I have to disagree, GM is using a “load control” and with that, the computer can decide which electric motor needs to power the the rear or front wheels dependent on the load..

With annual sales here at about 14.5 million and the life of a vehicle about 8 years, that’s totally unrealistic.

In fact, by the time Volt reaches high-volume production (at least 100,000 annually) and is afforadbly priced (nicely under $30,000), it will already be too late.

FULL hybrid production will reach 1,000,000 annually and be affordably priced within the next few years… for Toyota. What should GM be planning?

E-REV is America’s only hope of escaping the strangle hold of OPEC and foreign oil corruption and economic disaster. Recently announced plans to sell an E-REV (Opel, I think) in europe give the old world the same opportunity as well.

But, it only makes sense as a near-term solution. Full electric drive is the only way to 100% ensure we are not held hostage again to the greed and corruption of the foreign oil nations and their terrorist buddies.

A123 Systems will be offering Lithium Ion battery packs for sale to individuals for converting a vehicle to hybrid operation.

http://www.a123systems.com/#/news/news127
quote: “A123Systems will Accept Consumer Deposits for Plug-in Conversion Modules Capable of Increasing Fuel Economy to More Than 100 Miles Per Gallon and Reducing CO2 Emissions by more than 50%”

Given that, #64, Mike, you could convert your full-sized pick-up truck to either 2 mode hybrid (with a small ICE) or just go for it and get rid of terrorist-financing altogether by converting to all-electric drive. Since your vehicle is used for commuting with, presumably, only occasional hauling you could line the bed of your truck with the A123 battery modules and end up helping the environment (and provide a good example for us all).

More companies are on track to start supplying Lithium Ion battery packs as well. We as consumers must vote with our pocket books. If the auto industry is not providing the all-electric vehicles we need then we should look to those companies willing and able to convert our gas-guzzlers to all-electric drive. Imagine buying a stock vehicle with the amenities you want and have it converted and probably end up cheaper than the hybrid alternatives available from Toyota, Ford or GM.

If there is no company doing conversion to all-electric vehicles in your area then start one. The time is right. Now.

The Volt is on the “Fast Track”.

Personally, I’m looking for a vehicle to pull a small motor boat and a small sailboat. I drive a 97 Crown Vic w/190k miles that runs great. I consistantly get 23mpg combined highway/city.
I have zero capital outlay.
Maintenance is probably 300-500 per year.
The car rides like a caddy.
My insurance is next to nothing.

I’m finding it pretty hard to justify a 25-35k for a new vehicle. I just purchased a used Ford 500/Taurus (built on the S80 Volvo chassis) for 15k (wifes car) and get 24/34 hwy/city on our last trip to the mountains. This car is huge inside. It’s bigger than my Crown Vic.

I’m not sure which way I’ll go but perhaps (in a year) a used Vue 2-mode hybrid will suit me just perfectly.

Neil in NC

That’s because the fast 0-60 was accomplished with a smaller engine.

Camry-Hybrid uses a 4-cylinder engine, delivering 33/34 MPG and a AT-PZEV emission rating at a competitive price.

Yours was the last post I read. I couldn’t stand listening to people say things like “Nobody needs 262 HP” , This vehicle should only have a 4 cyl engine, etc etc etc.

Well, GM has to compete with Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda etc. in the North American market.

What happens when a company introduces a new model? Motor Trend, Car & Driver, and Auto Week compare the vehicle with all its competitors. So before you bitch that GM is putting too much power in their vehicles, check out the competition. Toyota/Nissan, put V6 engines with at least this much power in their vehicles. If GM put a small 4 cyl in their vehicle, guess what, vehicle would come in dead last in the comparison test.

For that matter, check out the Toyota Camry 0 to 60mph specification (available in any back issue of the above mentioned car magazines). That car is faster than Corvette’s and Porche’s of just a few years ago. Nobody here, and I mean NOBODY HERE is cussing out Toyota for putting too much power in their vehicles.

GM is suffering from not having a balanced portfolio of vehicles and they are likely to go bankrupt because if it. However, no GM vehicle is ‘over powered’ compared the competition.

If I’m going to be replacing that truck, the new vehicle needs to be able to do all of the above and more, or I just don’t need it. I can get around the truck bed with my small 4′x8′ trailer, but mileage has to improve, with no decrease in towing capacity, or it’s just not worth the money to me!

Sorry, did I steal somebody’s soapbox?

More HP->more fuel

262 HP engine in an econobox chassis is huge..if you have 2 motor electic assist, mate a in 100 HP engine with the 2 motors. You would have sufficient power and good fuel economy.

Forget towing, anyone who would try to tow a 21 ft ski boat with a light weight (flimsey) unibody vehicle with a short wheel base is on a suiside mission!

From a performance and capabiity standpoint, a 4-banger would make much more sense and get better fuel economy. For towing, the two-mode can deliver electric and gas-fired torque; a V6 is unnecessary. But the cost drives marketing decisions. Too bad.

In comparison, Toyota is driving down the cost of HSD and will be eating GM’s lunch in this market segment for a long time.